Singlehood and “the Present Distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26)

As Paul gives instructions for virgins and widows (1 Cor. 7:25-40), he begins with the περι δε formula (“now concerning”), responding to a specific question he has been asked by the Corinthians (cf. v. 1). We don’t have a copy of the letter they sent to Paul, so we can only infer what their questions were from Paul’s responses.

Paul's Advice

The apostle’s expressed judgment about unmarried persons at the time in Corinth is based on “the present distress” (ESV, NASB, NKJV) or “impending crisis” (NRSV) [τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην],¹ whether current or in the near future (v. 26b). This is probably an allusion to a period of persecution (vv. 28-31; cf. Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12) or perhaps any difficulties faced by those trying to follow Christ in a godless environment.

Paul could assume his original reading audience knew what he was talking about (based on their shared experiences and communications), without further explanation needed. But today we only have one side of the conversation, so our understanding of the situation cannot be as precise, although what Paul says is reasonably clear.

Hard Times

It is good to remain as you are, whether married or unmarried (vv. 26c-27). It is not sinful to marry, but in “the present distress” you “will have trouble” (v. 28). Persecutions, government restrictions, and related hardships would cause Christians to be separated from their spouses, “as though they had none”; unable to have or attend funerals, “as though they did not weep”; unable to enjoy celebrations, “as though they did not rejoice”; lose property, “as though they did not possess”; denied basic rights, “as though they did not make full use of [this world]” (vv. 29-31a).

The world as the mid-first-century Corinthians knew it was passing away (v. 31b), so why would anyone want to start a family in this environment? If already married, stay married. If not, Paul’s advice in the current situation is to stay single and use it to the glory of God.

Conclusion

Paul’s counsel for unmarried Christians, as stated in 1 Corinthians 7, was issued in a particular context that does not necessarily correspond to different environments and circumstances. Nevertheless, in principle, singlehood is legitimized and is still a practical option. Faithfully serving the Lord does not depend on marital status.²

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ The articular perfect-tense participial form of ἐνίστημι (“present,” “imminent,” or “impending”) + the accusative form of the noun ἀνάγκη (“pressure,” “distress”).

     ² See K. L. Moore, “The Single Christian,” Moore Perspective (23 April 2015), <Link>.

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